emirates7 - Abdulaziz Akkulov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the UAE, highlighted the rapid growth in bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and the UAE, emphasizing their close collaboration in international platforms and joint efforts to host the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand later this year.
Speaking at a dialogue session on Monday at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, Akkulov shed light on Uzbekistan’s active role in UNESCO programs and its alignment with the UAE in promoting sustainable development goals. The session was also attended by Nickolay Mladenov, Director-General of the Academy, along with high-level officials from both nations.
Akkulov noted that the strategic partnership was cemented during the official visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the UAE in January 2025.
He emphasized the vibrant cultural cooperation between the two countries, characterized by a mutual dedication to heritage preservation and intercultural dialogue. He also praised Uzbekistan’s consistent participation in the Sheikh Zayed Festival, where its national pavilion features traditional crafts and folk art.
The ambassador pointed out the growing collaboration between top museums in Uzbekistan and the UAE, including joint exhibitions and exchange programs. In a significant move, Uzbekistan joined the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) in March, becoming its ninth member—a step that strengthens shared efforts to protect cultural heritage.
He also welcomed ALIPH’s regional project call launched in April 2025 to safeguard Central Asia’s heritage against climate risks, highlighting the proactive roles of both Uzbekistan and the UAE.
Akkulov announced that Uzbekistan is preparing to host the Second Summit of the Central Asian Countries and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf on May 5 in Samarkand. He underscored Samarkand’s rising status as a global center for diplomacy, tourism, and business, referencing its recent hosting of major events like the 2022 SCO Heads of State Summit, the 2023 UN World Tourism Organization General Assembly, and the 2025 Central Asia–EU Summit.
Speaking at a dialogue session on Monday at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, Akkulov shed light on Uzbekistan’s active role in UNESCO programs and its alignment with the UAE in promoting sustainable development goals. The session was also attended by Nickolay Mladenov, Director-General of the Academy, along with high-level officials from both nations.
Akkulov noted that the strategic partnership was cemented during the official visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the UAE in January 2025.
He emphasized the vibrant cultural cooperation between the two countries, characterized by a mutual dedication to heritage preservation and intercultural dialogue. He also praised Uzbekistan’s consistent participation in the Sheikh Zayed Festival, where its national pavilion features traditional crafts and folk art.
The ambassador pointed out the growing collaboration between top museums in Uzbekistan and the UAE, including joint exhibitions and exchange programs. In a significant move, Uzbekistan joined the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) in March, becoming its ninth member—a step that strengthens shared efforts to protect cultural heritage.
He also welcomed ALIPH’s regional project call launched in April 2025 to safeguard Central Asia’s heritage against climate risks, highlighting the proactive roles of both Uzbekistan and the UAE.
Akkulov announced that Uzbekistan is preparing to host the Second Summit of the Central Asian Countries and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf on May 5 in Samarkand. He underscored Samarkand’s rising status as a global center for diplomacy, tourism, and business, referencing its recent hosting of major events like the 2022 SCO Heads of State Summit, the 2023 UN World Tourism Organization General Assembly, and the 2025 Central Asia–EU Summit.